This was such a needless mistake. Peter O'Mahony has been sent off only 13 minutes into Ireland's opening Six Nations game.
The Munster man may have only been on the pitch for quarter of an hour, but he had a torrid time in Cardiff. He conceded a needless penalty in front of the posts in the opening period to hand Wales the lead, but his red card was difficult to justify.
O'Mahony launched into a ruck in an attempt to clear out Welsh prop Tomas Francis, but it was clear he led with the shoulder straight to the head.
After a couple of views of the replay, it quickly became clear that the back row would receive his marching orders, with Wayne Barnes quickly producing the red card.
RED CARD for Peter O'Mahony!
A massive moment in this game.#WALvIRE #GuinnessSixNations #VMTVRugby pic.twitter.com/ZIm4JqRttl— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) February 7, 2021
This is the first red card of O'Mahony's international career, becoming the fifth Irishman to be sent off in test rugby. It was also Ireland's first red card since Bundee Aki's against Samoa in the 2019 World Cup.
SEE ALSO: 'Enough Is Enough' - Warburton Calls For Six Nations Change
